Vessel Ton typically refers to a measurement used in the shipping and maritime industry to describe the size or carrying capacity of a ship. There are two primary types:

Gross Tonnage (GT): This is a measure of the overall internal volume of a ship’s enclosed spaces, expressed in “gross tons.” It is a non-linear measure that considers all enclosed spaces of a ship, used to determine things like port fees, safety regulations, and staffing requirements. Gross tonnage is a measure of the size of a ship rather than its weight.
Net Tonnage (NT): This reflects the volume of the cargo spaces in the ship, also expressed in “net tons.” It’s used to calculate how much cargo a vessel can carry, excluding spaces not used for cargo like the engine room or crew quarters. Net tonnage provides a clearer idea of a ship’s capacity for generating revenue.
Both measurements are calculated according to formulas set by the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969. They are essential for various regulatory, safety, and commercial purposes in shipping.

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